Abingdon - Located 133 miles southwest of Roanoke, Abingdon is the county seat of Washington County and is a designated Virginia Historic Landmark. As of the 2010 census, the population for Washington County was 54,876 with 8,191 in the town of Abingdon.

Abingdon, founded in 1778, is in the beautiful Blue Ridge Highlands of Virginia. The quaint atmosphere of one of Virginia's most historic towns, with its tree-lined streets, charming nineteenth century homes, and brick sidewalks, offers a welcome respite after meetings or workshops.

Abingdon is well known for its performing and visual arts. The famous Barter Theatre attracts visitors from across the world. Enjoy an art exhibition at the William King Museum. Spend the night at the four-star, four-diamond Abingdon's Martha Washington Hotel, and dine at one of many restaurants and café's. Leisure activities abound – try hiking and biking on the 34 mile Virginia Creeper Trail, or an afternoon browsing in one of Abingdon's unusual art, antique, and collectable shops.

Whether it's the sights of our historic buildings, the sounds from a musical showing in town, the tastes from our many restaurants, or the smells of the crisp mountain air along the Virginia Creeper Trail, Abingdon has something to entertain your senses. Abingdon, a gem city of legends, wars and culture, maintains its rich historical integrity with an eye on the future.

Interesting Facts About Abingdon:

· Abingdon is one of the oldest English-speaking settlements west of the Blue Ridge.

· The town was founded in 1778.

· It was first named Wolf Hills by Daniel Boone.

· The Martha Washington Inn was once a private residence, a women's college, and a Civil War hospital.

· Abingdon boasts a twenty-block historic district.

· The oldest building in Abingdon is The Tavern.

· The Barter Theatre is the State Theater of Virginia.

· The Barter Theatre is among the oldest professional residence theatres in the US, and performs the second-oldest performing arts space in the US.

· The Barter Theatre launched the careers of such notables as Gregory Peck, Patricia Neal, and Ernest Borgnine.

· Abingdon has received such accolades as being called "One of the Top 100 Small Towns for the Arts in the US," an All-American City Finalist, and many other distinctive honors.

· The Virginia Highlands Festival, held in August, attracts tens of thousands of visitors who enjoy the best of Appalachian culture.

· The Virginia Highlands Festival has been named numerous times as an American Bus Association Top 100 Events in North America and a Top 20 Events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society.

Places of Interest:

Barter Theatre - the official state theatre of Virginia. With its unique beginnings during the Great Depression, Barter Theatre, one of this nation's oldest professional non-profit theatres, is located in beautiful historic Abingdon, Virginia. Barter Theatre is a theatre of firsts: one of this nation's first professional regional theatres, the first professional theatre to be designated a state theatre – The State Theatre of Virginia and more. Today, Barter offers a variety of musicals, classics, comedies, dramas and new southern and Appalachian plays performed February – December yearly on two stages: Barter Theatre and Barter Stage II. Barter Theatre continues to be one of the nation's most vibrant and exciting professional theatre experiences.

The Martha - Located in Abingdon's historic district, across from the Barter Theatre, The Martha is a classic hotel understanding the value of hospitality and personal service. Featuring 61 guest rooms and suites, over 5,700 square feet of meeting space, fine & casual dining and a myriad of activities to provide guests with a memorable stay. Along with being a member of the prestigious Historic Hotels of America, we have been a consistent recipient of Mobil Travel Guide's Four-Star Award in addition to the AAA's Four-Diamond Award. Whether planning a business meeting, an important social event or a special weekend getaway, why not choose The Martha as your next destination?

The William King Museum - Center for Art and Cultural Heritage, never the same museum. The William King Museum is the site of the former Abingdon Male Academy and the William King School, which served the town for many years. Both an architectural and historical landmark, the museum hosts cultural arts exhibits and special displays year round. Art classes for both adults and children are offered as well as special programming.

The Virginia Creeper Trail -The Virginia Creeper Trail stretches 35 miles from Abingdon Virginia thru Damascus Virginia to the NC State Line near Whitetop Virginia. The Virginia Creeper Trail is open to hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The former rail bed passes through the back country of Southwest Virginia. The Virginia Creeper Trail is rich in beauty and regional history. This is a biking adventure that you and your friends will talk about for a long time.

The Appalachian Trial -Virginia is home to 544 miles of the Appalachian Trail, more miles than any other state. The trail goes through Mount Rogers National Recreation Area in George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. The Creeper crosses over the many national and regional trails that pass through Damascus, a little town near Abingdon. The Virginia Creeper Trail, Appalachian Trail, 76 TransAm Bicycle Route, Crooked Road, Round the Mountain, Iron Mountain Trail, and the Daniel Boone Heritage Trail all cross at the same intersection. A 200,000 acre mountain recreation wonderland within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. The highest point in the state of Virginia as its centerpiece, Mount Rogers.

South Holston Lake was named for the river that bears the name Steven Holston, an early settler of the Tennesee Valley. The lake is situated on the western edge of the Appalachian Mountains and extends from northeastern Tennessee into Virginia with a surface area of 7,580 acres, and around 27 miles long. About 60 % of the shoreline is bordered by the Cherokee National Forest.

Coomes Recreation Center - Whether you are visiting or a resident, the Coomes Recreation Center has something for you. Finished in 1994 the Coomes Recreation Center is the hub of Abingdon Parks and Recreation Department. This modern recreation and fitness complex enhances the programs and events of the town and provides opportunities for improving the quality of life for all our residents and visitors. Special events are held year round with the July 4 celebrations being one of the highlights. The facilities offer visiting families the opportunity to swim, play, and just relax during the day.